Concussions

Community Sports Medicine joins Indiana Sports Concussion Network

Indiana Sports Concussion Network (ISCN) supports concussion education to student athletes, parents, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers and health care providers, including physicians. Many physicians at Community have received training provided by the ISCN and are ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) certified. These physicians strive to provide the care and management standards for sports-related concussions. Find an ImPACT certified physician >>

ImPACT testing (pre-concussion screening)

Community Health Network is pleased to participate and support a concussion management program utilizing the ImPACT concussion evaluation system. The testing allows a screening baseline and post-concussion assessment to better manage concussion for athletes of all ages. Learn more >>

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head. Concussion signs and symptoms can show up right after the injury or may not appear to be noticed until days or weeks after the sports injury. If your child reports any symptoms or if you notice the concussion symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

Signs of a concussion*

If your child has experienced a bump or blow to the head during a sports game or practice, look for any of the following:

Appears dazed or stunned

Is confused about assignment or position

Forgets an instruction

Is unsure of a game, score, or opponent

Moves clumsily

Answers questions slowly

Loses consciousness (even briefly)

Shows behavior or personality changes

Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Symptoms of a concussion*

Headache or “pressure” in head

Nausea or vomiting

Balance problems or dizziness

Double or blurry vision

Sensitivity to light

Sensitivity to noise

Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

Concentration or memory problems

Confusion

Does not “feel right”

What to do if a concussion is suspected*

Remove the athlete from play.

Look for signs and symptoms.

Athletes should not be allowed to return to play.

When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.

Ensure that the athlete is evaluated right away by an appropriate health care professional.

Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself.

Record the following information:

Cause of the injury and force of the hit or blow to the head

Any loss of consciousness and if so, for how long

Any memory loss immediately following the injury

Any seizures immediately following the injury

Number of previous concussions (if any)

Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them the CDC fact sheet on concussion.

Athlete should be seen by a health care professional experienced in evaluation for concussion.

Allow the athlete to return to play only with permission from a health care professional with experience in evaluating for concussion.